Should You Consider a Community College?

Based upon your financial budget, your chosen career and any extenuating commitments it is possible that a community college is a better choice compared to a typical 4 year college.

Generally speaking a community college offers a wide range of programs for associate's degrees. An associate's degree is usually a two year course of study. Community colleges are known by various names such as technical schools or junior college.

A career school is slightly different. They provide a certificate in very narrow fields. These certificates are usually aimed at one specific type of job. Career schools may also be called trade schools or vocational schools.

There are various reasons people use to pick a community college. Some people wish to learn a particular trade in a short amount of time and join the workforce. Other individuals want to complete the necessary core class requirements at a community college and then transfer to a school that offers a bachelor's or master's degree.

Lower Costs of Community Colleges

One of the main reasons that so many people choose a community college or career school is the lower cost. The tuition costs along with the fees for books and other items are often significantly less expensive than the same type of costs at a 4 year college. Community colleges typically offer various forms of financial aid such as loans, scholarships and grants. And to help save time many community colleges now provide online classes for most of their degrees.

People that are considering using the experience at a community college to prepare them for a transfer to another college will usually save money by taking care of most of their per-requisites.

Take Classes at Your Own Pace

One appealing factor of community colleges is the ability to pursue a degree with a full time schedule or a part time plan. This feature allows people to work a full time job and still take a few classes at night. To make things even easier, many community colleges are now offering a number of classes online.

Compared to a 4 year college the community college is much more forgiving of people that have several demands on their time. A 4 year school usually requires a full time commitment from students in order to make sure they complete their degree in a reasonable amount of time.

Develop a Better Academic Record

Some people realize too late the value of putting forth their best effort in high school in order to help them gain admission to college. Luckily, community colleges can be a great way to earn some credits and improve their academic record.

Most community colleges do not have strict requirements in regards to high school GPA or college entrance exams. This allows people to jump in and start studying in order to advance themselves. People have a choice of finishing their degree and finding a job with their new found skill or using the associate's degree as a bridge to transfer to a 4 year college.

Community College Strategy

Focus on your studies and keep your GPA as high as possible while in community college. If you decide to transfer later on your strong grades will be a real boost to your cause.

Research the community colleges in your area to see which 4 year colleges accept their credits upon transfer.

If you have decided on learning a skill and going to work right away, find the best certificate or associate's program in your area.

Featured Schools

Choosing a college can really cause some stress for the average young person. Faced with a decision that will likely influence the rest of their life, many people feel slightly confused and overwhelmed by the whole process. But there are some steps that can help the process go a little smoother and allow the student to actually enjoy the process.

Each year of high school carries its own significances in paving the way to a college degree. It is important that teens understand the value of sitting down with a high school guidance counselor and brainstorming about possible careers.

Whenever parents hear about having to send their kids off to college, all they can think about is all the potential for trouble. Kids are always doing things like fighting, drinking and pretty much anything but work at college. Naturally parents are going to be deathly afraid of this kind of lifestyle. But what are they to do when their kid has to go off to college to be able to get any kind of decent education and job much less grow up?

Back in your parents’ days, you didn’t have to get a college degree to make it in the world. Anybody anywhere could just up and leave school with their whole lives and futures ahead of them. Unfortunately those days are no more. College degrees are becoming more and more important in today's world. The working world has placed a higher emphasis on finishing college and getting your degree.

Students are doing all kinds of different things to get through college owing as little money as possible. The military is one very interesting option. It may not be for everyone but the benefits can be tremendous and change your life.

Parents and students these days are hearing a lot of words flying around about higher education. They sound catchy and interesting but what do they really mean? Click on the following link to our glossary of school terms you need to know!

When choosing a distance learning institution, always chose one that is accredited and maintains high standards, even if pursuing an education for personal fulfillment. It’s the best way to ensure that the education you receive is a worthwhile investment of both your time and money.

Don't know where to start? Use these articles to help you determine which online degree or program is right for you. The articles in this section will not only help you find the right school but prepare you for everything involved in the online learning experience.